|
LIBYA
- FROM SIWA TO GHADAMES
Country
visited: Libya |
 |
This
is a journey into one of the most archaeologically and
culturally rich areas in the world. Our tour includes 4
World Heritage Sites in addition to highlights such as
Alexandria, the Oasis of Siwa, Second World War cemeteries
dedicated primarily to those who fought in the battles
between the Allied troops and the armies of General Rommel,
as well as an optional extension to Algeria. This is an
interesting experience of the ancient, medieval and current
history of mankind combined with the gracious hospitality
of the North African-Arab people from the cities and the
oases.
|
Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01
|
Cairo |
|
02
|
Cairo / Alexandria |
| 03 |
Alexandria
/ Siwa |
|
04
|
Siwa |
|
05
|
Siwa / Mersa Matruh |
|
06
|
Mersa
Matruh / Tobruk |
|
07
|
Tobruk
/ El Beyda |
|
08
|
Cyrene & Apollonia |
|
09
|
El
Beyda / Qasr Libya / Benghazi |
|
10
|
Benghazi
/ Tripoli |
|
11
|
Tripoli |
|
12
|
Tripoli/Nalut/Ghadames
|
|
13
|
Ghadames |
| 14 |
Ghadames/Tripoli
|
| 15 |
Tripoli
/ Djerba / Tunis |
| 16 |
Tunis
|
|
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
| Libya |
|
|
Leptis Magna (1982) |
Leptis
Magna was enlarged and embellished by Septimio Severo,
who was born there and later became emperor and was one
of the most beautiful cities of the Roman Empire. |
| Sabratha
(1982) |
A
Phoenician trading-post that served as an outlet for the
products of the African hinterland, Sabratha was part
of the short-lived Numidian kingdom of Massinissa before
being Romanized and rebuilt in the 2nd and 3rd centuries
A.D. |
| Cyrene
(1982) |
A
colony of the Greeks of Thera, Cyrene was one of the principal
cities in the Hellenic world. It was Romanized, and remained
a great capital until the earthquake of 365. A thousand
years of history is written in its ruins, famous since
the 18th century. |
| Old
Town of Ghadames (1988) |
Built
in an oasis, Ghadames, "the pearl of the desert", is one
of the oldest pre-Saharan cities and an outstanding example
of a traditional settlement. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day
01: Arrive Cairo
Ahlan wa sahlan! (Welcome in Arabic) We are warmly received at Cairo Airport
and transferred to our hotel. En-route we see the hustle and bustle that has
made Cairo what it is. (Pre-tour Cairo / Egypt optional tour available)
Overnight: Pyramisa Hotel, Cairo (1 night) (D)
Day 02: Cairo / Alexandria (Drive 220kms / 136miles)
Our journey begins with a scenic drive to the historical city of Alexandria,
where we visit the newly opened Bibliothek. At the beginning of the 3rd Century
B.C. the ancient city of Alexandria was the birthplace of the Bibliotheca Alexandria.
The library and its vast storehouse of learning were destroyed in a fire that
ravaged Alexandria. A new library was opened at the same location, endowing the
world once again with an important focal point for culture, education and science.
We then visit the Greco Roman Museum, the Catacombs, Pompey's Pillar, Montazah
Garden, the Citadel of Qaitbay and the Roman Amphitheater. Evening is free to
experience the souq of this ancient city.
Overnight: Sofitel Cecil Hotel, Alexandria (1 night) (B, D)
Day
03: Alexandria / Siwa (Drive 580kms / 362miles)
The enchanting Mediterranean coastline takes us to Al Alamein, scene of the historic
Allied victory during World War II. We visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery, to
pay homage to the many people who gave up their lives in the war effort. An interesting
desert drive takes us to the historical oasis of Siwa that was, during Alexander's
times, as important a site as Delphi.
Overnight: Paradise Hotel, Siwa (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 04: Siwa
Our day of exploration of Siwa includes the Oracle of Amun, Jabel Al-Mawta, Cleopatra's
Bath, Shali City, Fatnis Island, Birket Siwa and the traditional Siwan House
Museum. It is in Siwa that Alexander, around 331 B.C., was deemed a god by the
oracle Jupiter Ammon. Evening we have time to mingle with the desert folks and
enjoy the Oasis fervor. (B, D)
Day 05: Siwa / Mersa Matruh (Drive 298kms / 183miles)
After an awe-inspiring experience at this remote oasis and encounters with the
beguiling local Berbers, we head northwards to the Mediterranean Sea resort of
Mersa Matruh. Balance of the day is free to enjoy both the silver sand beach
and a stroll through the town. Mersa Matruh offers a town that is very different
from the large metropolitan Cairo and Alexandria.
Overnight: Beau Site Hotel, Mersa Matruh (1 night) (B, D)
Day 06: Mersa Matruh / Tobruk (Drive 323kms / 199miles)
Today we cross to Tobruk, a Libyan port famous for the British victory over the
Italians in January of 1941. The battle demonstrated Italian incompetence and
prompted Hitler to send his famed Afrika Korps to help battle the British. We
visit the very well maintained World War II cemetery, where we pay respect to
the many soldiers who died in Tobruk.
Overnight: Al-Maseerah Koubrah Hotel, Tobruk (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day
07: Tobruk / El Beyda (Drive 242kms / 150miles)
Driving along the coastal stretch, we visit the old quarters at Derna, before
heading for Lathrun to visit the remains of a Byzantine church and a Greek Necropolis
by the shore. After a sumptuous picnic lunch, we depart for Ras Hilal to see
another ancient Byzantine church. We end the day in El Beyda.
Overnight: Loloat Jabel Hotel, El Beyda (2 nights) (B, L, D)
Day 08: Cyrene & Apollonia
Today we have an in-depth visit to the World Heritage Site of Cyrene. The city
was part of the 1st century Pentapolis, a "Five-city state" that was second in
size only to Athens. It was founded by the Greeks in 631 B.C. and later occupied
by the Romans followed by the Arabs. Here we also visit the famous temple of
Apollo. After lunch we visit Apollonia (Sousa), which was the port of Cyrene
and is located 20kms / 12 miles to the north. Our detailed visit includes the
majestic Theatre, the Roman baths and the Temple of Slonta. (B, L, D)
Day 09: El Beyda / Qasr Libya / Benghazi (Drive 210kms / 130 miles)
Our morning drive through Jabel Akhdar gets us to Qasr Libya, where we visit
the interesting museum housing more than 50 pieces of mosaic artifact fragments
dating back to the 6th century A.D. Next stop is Ptolemais, the former capital
of Pentapolis, with its remains of palaces & theatres. We proceed to Benghazi,
arguably the most beautiful city in Libya.
Overnight: Uzo Hotel, Benghazi (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 10: Benghazi / Tripoli (Flight)
Morning transfer to the airport for a flight to Tripoli. Meet & transfer to the
hotel. Tripoli " Oea" (the bride) of the Mediterranean is the capital of Libya.
Founded by the Phoenicians in 1000 B.C. Tripoli was later conquered by the Romans.
Our afternoon tour of this beautiful metropolis covers the huge fortress, the
National Museum, the Old Souq and the Islamic Quarters.
Overnight: Kabir Hotel, Tripoli (2 nights) (B, L, D)
Day 11: Tripoli
The highlight of any visit to Libya is the World Heritage Site of Leptis Magna.
It became important when it was established as a city by the Canaanites and reached
its climax under the rule of Roman Emperor Septimus Severus. We will explore
the vast site including the Triumphal Arch, huge Basilica, Forum, Public Baths,
Hippodrome, Amphitheater etc. (B, L, D)
Day
12: Tripoli / Nalut / Ghadames (Drive 630kms / 389miles)
Today we head south to the Saharan oasis of Ghadames. En route, we stop at the "ghost
town" of Nalut, located high in the Nafusa Mountains. Nalut offers insights into
the traditional life styles of the locals used until the Libyans found the rich
oil, enabling them to move from caves to concrete structures. After a tour of
Nalut, we head further south towards the immense Sahara Desert. Lunch is at a
romantic oasis in the middle of nowhere.
Overnight: Waha Hotel, Ghadames (2 nights) (B, L, D)
Day 13: Ghadames
This oasis was settled from prehistoric times and was a major port of call for
the traders and pilgrims en route to Mecca. Ghadames is a beautiful desert town
that has retained its original culture, visible in the narrow lane streets lined
with mud bricked architecture. Our tour will cover both the old ghost town and
the desert sand dunes. In the evening we witness the desert sunset, depending
on the weather. (B, L, D)
Day 14: Ghadames / Tripoli (Drive 630kms / 389 miles)
After the interesting Saharan experience, we proceed to Kabaw, a village with
old houses. We also visit the ghurfas, grain stores built by the local Berbers,
located at the very top of the village, followed by a visit to Tormisa to see
incredible cave structures. Finally we visit the pottery market at Gharian before
our return to Tripoli.
Overnight: Kabir Hotel, Tripoli (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 15: Tripoli / Djerba / Tunis (Drive & Flight)
Amongst all of Libya's many archaeological sites, Sabratha stands out as the
most majestic. A World Heritage Site, Sabratha was founded by the Canaanites
(6th Century B.C.), ruled by Carthage, Phoenicia, Numedia and then Rome in 46
B.C. The site offers a majestic collection of public buildings, arenas, the temples
of Liber Peter, Srapis, Isis and Hercules. This site is grand and ancient, the
perfect conclusion to Libya. Next we enter Tunisia where our transfer takes us
to the Djerba airport to connect with a short flight to Tunis, the capital. (Possible
extension available for those wishing to spend time at Djerba). Upon arrival
in Tunis we are met and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Abou Nawas El Mechtel Hotel, Tunis (1 night) (B, D)
Day 16: Depart Tunis
The morning is free to visit the local souq and medina. After an awesome journey
from Cairo to Tunis, all overland, we are transferred to the airport for our
flight back. (B) |
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
|
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|
Departure Dates |
|
2008
Apr 05 & Oct 18
|
| Prices |
| Departure |
Tour
Price US$ / CA$ |
Single
Sup US$ / CA$ |
| 2008 |
4320 |
925 |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
•
Hotel accommodation as mentioned or similar
• Meal plan as mentioned (B=Breakfast
L=Lunch D=Dinner)
• All sightseeing and transfers
• Entrance Fees to Museums and Sites
• Services of Local English speaking guides
• Visa Support as required |
•
International Airfare / Departure Taxes
• Travel Insurances
• Visa Fees
• Drinks / Beverages with meals
• Tips / Gratuities to Drivers & Guides |
| Domestic
/ Regional Airfare INCLUDED in Tour Price |
| Djerba
/ Tunis |
| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1400 |
| West
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1600 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of 15
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
30
years in small group journeys
|
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Site
updated April 04, 2008
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